The C-Town Scoop: Stop End of Semester Stress

Well, we’re all back at WC and, of course, back to the old grind. And while it may seem like light-years away, the holiday break is really only weeks away. I know it seems impossible to think about right now with all of the papers, assignments, and tests that you have left to do. Just writing about the upcoming finals looming on the horizon is making my blood pressure rise.

However, there are some things that you can do to help keep your stress at bay and to have a successful remainder of the semester.

One great way to relieve stress during exams is exercise. Even a little bit goes a long way. If you feel like you can’t study for one more second, throw on your sneakers and take a quick walk. Grab a friend and take a walk around town or throw on your headphones and run down to the water. If you don’t feeling like being outside, hit the gym. You can either take your stress and frustration out on one of the machines or you can sign up for one of the many classes that the college gym offers.

Another great way to relieve stress is to make sure you’re eating right. Use the money on your ID to pick up some healthy snacks from the Sassafras Café or choose a healthier meal option in the dining hall. If you feel like venturing off-campus, right around the corner from Play it Again Sam’s downtown is Chestertown Natural Foods. They offer organic food products, beauty products, and much more. They even have various health smoothies that will help to give you that extra boost you need to keep studying.

I know that finals week feels like it should be all about studying, but don’t be afraid to take a break. Grab a friend and take a lunch break at one of the restaurants in town. Or move your study group to somewhere like Play it Again Sam’s. You can sit on a comfy couch or take over a table. They offer free WiFi and you can enjoy a great cup of coffee, or take the healthier route with a green tea, while you laugh, socialize, vent about your classes, listen to great music, and–most importantly–study.

Another great option for study breaks is the Hodson Student Center. There are always plenty of things to do there: video games, game tables, board games, and more. However, don’t get so wrapped up in games that you forget to study.

The biggest way to relieve stress in the upcoming weeks is not to procrastinate. Don’t wait until the night before to start a huge paper or to cram for your exam. Instead, study each day and make sure you get lots of rest. When it comes time for finals, just make sure that you are prepared. Take deep breaths and don’t feel weird about talking yourself through your stress. Make a list of everything you need to get done and celebrate or treat yourself every time you cross something off the list.

In these last few weeks of school, make sure you make time to get your fill of C-town. Face it, whether you would like to admit it to yourself or not, you just might miss this little place while you’re home.